Sex Discrimination

Sex discrimination happens when an employer treats employees or applicants differently because of their gender. Pregnancy discrimination is a form of sex discrimination, as is sexual harassment.

Outright sex discrimination used to be more common in the past, with advertisements for a "Gal Friday," signs posted saying "Men Only Need Apply," and pregnant employees being forced out of their jobs once they were "showing." These days, sex discrimination is more likely to take the form of stereotyping based on gender roles -- that women should (or will want to) stay home with their children, or that men are more likely to be assertive, for example.

The articles in this section explain what sex discrimination is and how to protect your rights. They also cover the Equal Pay Act, which requires employers to pay men and women equally for doing equal work, and other laws prohibiting wage discrimination based on sex.